Hart district sites make top schools list

Several high schools in the William S. Hart Union High School District received national rankings this year, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The 2014 version of the annual list from U.S. News and World Report ranks schools based on their performances on state assessments and on students’ college readiness — which is based on the percentage of 12th graders who took and passed advanced placement exams, according to the rankings.

“I am really proud of the efforts of staff at all our schools, which is truly indicative of these national and state rankings and all the good things happening across our district,” said Hart district Superintendent Rob Challinor.

Among California high schools, West Ranch High School was ranked No. 171, according to U.S. News.

Hart High School was ranked No. 189, with Saugus High School right behind at No. 193 among California high schools.

Valencia High School was rated No. 274 and Canyon High School was ranked No. 333 among California high schools.Nationwide, West Ranch, Hart, Saugus, Valencia and Canyon all received silver medals in the U.S. News Best High Schools rankings. Gold medals were awarded to the national “top 500 schools based on highest college readiness,” according to the rankings.

Academy of the Canyons and Learning Post High were awarded bronze medals, meaning they are “high-performing schools based on state exam performance.”

Challinor said the rankings are “truly an accomplishment earned by our hard-working students, dedicated teachers, caring counselors, staff and administration and the decisions of the governing board, who all have what’s best for our students in mind.”